Projects/Home Improvement Thread

[RDU Irish]

I hate grouting. Just not that good at it and makes a f-ing mess. Then I end up ripping right through it faster than I thought I would and still hating it even though it isn't as hard as I make it out in my mind.

10' A-frame swing set got some action this weekend after anchoring and leveling. Then the arc of the swing just hits a holly bush I need to relocate so the kids get a surprise just as they get going. Well worth the extra few feet - most designs use 8' 4x4s for arms and I used 12' - makes for a 10' tall beam instead of 7'. Cost differential is next to nothing and outside of the increased odds of broken bones I can't see why people bother with a smaller unit. It was a bitch managing to connect the 4x6 beam with just me, heavy MFer.

That and a rope course done last month have the kids pretty happy. Neighbor kids gushed about how their dad sucks b/c he doesn't build anything. Made me feel good.

 

[koonja]

I hate grouting. Just not that good at it and makes a f-ing mess. Then I end up ripping right through it faster than I thought I would and still hating it even though it isn't as hard as I make it out in my mind.

10' A-frame swing set got some action this weekend after anchoring and leveling. Then the arc of the swing just hits a holly bush I need to relocate so the kids get a surprise just as they get going. Well worth the extra few feet - most designs use 8' 4x4s for arms and I used 12' - makes for a 10' tall beam instead of 7'. Cost differential is next to nothing and outside of the increased odds of broken bones I can't see why people bother with a smaller unit. It was a bitch managing to connect the 4x6 beam with just me, heavy MFer.

That and a rope course done last month have the kids pretty happy. Neighbor kids gushed about how their dad sucks b/c he doesn't build anything. Made me feel good.

Grouting is a bitch. Filling it in is easy, but cleaning the tiles sucks. I learned this 5 mins ago.

 

[Irish#1]

About to finish the laying of the glass tile back splash, have one more of 7 outlets to go around, which has been a B. Then have to clean up and figure out how to grout this. Have the grout, just haven't done it before so reading up on it. It's taken be about 6 hours so far to cover about 27 square feet. Total job cost me $315.

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Haven't touched the exhaust fan yet. Waiting for a helping hand because it's impossible to hold it in place and try to secure it above your head alone.

This from the guy that said the tile would be easier then the fan. I warned you. lol

Looks good so far. When you grout, make sure you go across at an angle.

 

[wizards8507]

So my wife and I are looking at buying a new house. We found one we really like but it turns out there's a goddamn mine adit thirty feet below grade. The sellers failed to disclose it so their first buyers sued the listing agency. Now the listing agency owns the house and they're offering it for the low-low price of $7,000 off of what they were going to close at when nobody knew about the adit. My question is who builds a house without checking if there's a freaking MINE underneath it?

 

[woolybug25]

So my wife and I are looking at buying a new house. We found one we really like but it turns out there's a goddamn mine adit thirty feet below grade. The sellers failed to disclose it so their first buyers sued the listing agency. Now the listing agency owns the house and they're offering it for the low-low price of $7,000 off of what they were going to close at when nobody knew about the adit. My question is who builds a house without checking if there's a freaking MINE underneath it?

What kind of mine is it? ha.



I've been working on my rental lately. Tore out a bunch of trees, re ran some plumbing and am in the process of rebuilding an exterior wall. Should be able to throw some paint down this weekend and start on the deck.

I also am widdlin' a new bathroom counter for the bathroom I remodeled in my own house. I'll be putting the second coat of bar top coating on it tonight.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I thought this would be more stories about pests.

But as for the mine thing, is that legal?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[wizards8507]

I thought this would be more stories about pests.

But as for the mine thing, is that legal?

I have no idea. The house was built in 1970, last sold in 2004, geological survey done in 2006.

390 Sheridan Dr, Cheshire, CT 06410 | MLS #N10088961 | Zillow

 

[Irish#1]

So my wife and I are looking at buying a new house. We found one we really like but it turns out there's a goddamn mine adit thirty feet below grade. The sellers failed to disclose it so their first buyers sued the listing agency. Now the listing agency owns the house and they're offering it for the low-low price of $7,000 off of what they were going to close at when nobody knew about the adit. My question is who builds a house without checking if there's a freaking MINE underneath it?

An adit is an entrance to a mine. Did they just put thirty feet of dirt on top before they built? How old is the house and how old is the mine? Possibly the land was reclaimed long before the house was built? I can see the possibility the builders were unaware of the mine.

 

[Irish#1]

What kind of mine is it? ha.



I've been working on my rental lately. Tore out a bunch of trees, re ran some plumbing and am in the process of rebuilding an exterior wall. Should be able to throw some paint down this weekend and start on the deck.

I also am widdlin' a new bathroom counter for the bathroom I remodeled in my own house. I'll be putting the second coat of bar top coating on it tonight.

Look at Wooly. The Norm Abram of IE.

 

[wizards8507]

An adit is an entrance to a mine.

I know.

Did they just put thirty feet of dirt on top before they built?

I don't think so, but maybe. The land is pretty rocky and they tend to build with the natural geography around here. They don't usually do much grading, instead opting to build with whatever slopes and elevations the land gives them. The oldest reference any of the attorneys could find to the adit was the geological survey done in 2006. There's no documentation on the mine itself other than "there's a geological anomaly thirty feet below grade that we're pretty sure is an adit but there are no records to support."

How old is the house and how old is the mine?

The house was built in 1970. Nobody knows anything about the mine, so I assume old.

Possibly the land was reclaimed long before the house was built? I can see the possibility the builders were unaware of the mine.

But don't they have to check maps and records and all that when they build? If this came up in a record search on the parcel during a resale in 2015, wouldn't the builders have had to do a similar search (if not even more thorough) when they developed and built the land in 1970? It's just shocking to me that they could build a neighborhood and not know that there was a tunnel underneath it. Aren't those things mapped and recorded some place?

 

[Irish#1]

I know.


I don't think so, but maybe. The land is pretty rocky and they tend to build with the natural geography around here. They don't usually do much grading, instead opting to build with whatever slopes and elevations the land gives them. The oldest reference any of the attorneys could find to the adit was the geological survey done in 2006. There's no documentation on the mine itself other than "there's a geological anomaly thirty feet below grade that we're pretty sure is an adit but there are no records to support."


The house was built in 1970. Nobody knows anything about the mine, so I assume old.


But don't they have to check maps and records and all that when they build? If this came up in a record search on the parcel during a resale in 2015, wouldn't the builders have had to do a similar search (if not even more thorough) when they developed and built the land in 1970? It's just shocking to me that they could build a neighborhood and not know that there was a tunnel underneath it. Aren't those things mapped and recorded some place?

I'm guessing the mine is very old and the land reclaimed long ago, hence a good chance there are no good records that would alert someone. We have a second home built in 1883 we're remodeling and it is in former mining country. We've found records and information are sketchy and sometimes inaccurate.

 

[woolybug25]

I know.


I don't think so, but maybe. The land is pretty rocky and they tend to build with the natural geography around here. They don't usually do much grading, instead opting to build with whatever slopes and elevations the land gives them. The oldest reference any of the attorneys could find to the adit was the geological survey done in 2006. There's no documentation on the mine itself other than "there's a geological anomaly thirty feet below grade that we're pretty sure is an adit but there are no records to support."


The house was built in 1970. Nobody knows anything about the mine, so I assume old.


But don't they have to check maps and records and all that when they build? If this came up in a record search on the parcel during a resale in 2015, wouldn't the builders have had to do a similar search (if not even more thorough) when they developed and built the land in 1970? It's just shocking to me that they could build a neighborhood and not know that there was a tunnel underneath it. Aren't those things mapped and recorded some place?

Why is this a bad thing anyway? I mean... this could be a bat cave.

 

[wizards8507]

Why is this a bad thing anyway? I mean... this could be a bat cave.

Unfavorable variance primarily due to diminished resale potential, increased insurance costs, and chance of house falling into Earth; partially offset by bat cave potential.

 

[woolybug25]

Unfavorable variance primarily due to diminished resale potential, increased insurance costs, and chance of house falling into Earth; partially offset by bat cave potential.

Ah shucks... just tell them that they need to take some money off the price in order to finish the structural needs of the batcave.

 

[Irish#1]

Ah shucks... just tell them that they need to take some money off the price in order to finish the structural needs of the batcave.

If I had $2 mil to spend like that, I would have one of the sweetest ND media rooms you would ever see.

 

[koonja]

Been a while since we bumped this thread.

I'm moving out of my 4 bedroom, 2 bath house that I rent out 3 rooms to now, and getting a 1 bedroom apartment. Will be renting out the whole house now, obviously.

Considering getting some quotes on what it'd cost to finish the basement and make it a legal, livable quarters.

House is 100 years old, and currently in the basement, is the washer and dryer, hot water heater, furnace, and 2 rooms that are essentially storage right now.

However, one of those rooms has a shower shell and a toilet, neither of which are in use or close to working, but the plumbing is ran. 3 windows, all of which would need to be replaced (unless you only need 1 egress window).

The entire place basement would need to be sheetrocked, and it's currenly an unfinished ceiling, and the walls are simply cement foundation.

What would I be looking at? 10K, 20K, 30K and beyond?

My before looks something like this: https://www.google.com/search?q=bef...e+and+after+of+basement&imgrc=RQ7F2rgtuD-BxM:

 

[wizards8507]

So we had a local, independent plumber that was supposed to come to the house today to take care of a deep pipe clog that I just couldn't get to. The guy cancels same-day because his wife is sick or whatever, so we start calling around to find someone else. Eventually the only place that even answers the phone is Roto-Rooter. My wife was explicit with them that this was NOT an emergency but they had someone available same-day and sent someone over. A little while later (and with a very flustered wife), I find out they charged us $500 to clear a damn drain. I'm absolutely furious. Do I have any recourse?

 

[Irish#1]

Been a while since we bumped this thread.

I'm moving out of my 4 bedroom, 2 bath house that I rent out 3 rooms to now, and getting a 1 bedroom apartment. Will be renting out the whole house now, obviously.

Considering getting some quotes on what it'd cost to finish the basement and make it a legal, livable quarters.

House is 100 years old, and currently in the basement, is the washer and dryer, hot water heater, furnace, and 2 rooms that are essentially storage right now.

However, one of those rooms has a shower shell and a toilet, neither of which are in use or close to working, but the plumbing is ran. 3 windows, all of which would need to be replaced (unless you only need 1 egress window).

The entire place basement would need to be sheetrocked, and it's currenly an unfinished ceiling, and the walls are simply cement foundation.

What would I be looking at? 10K, 20K, 30K and beyond?

My before looks something like this: https://www.google.com/search?q=bef...e+and+after+of+basement&imgrc=RQ7F2rgtuD-BxM:

Definitely check codes for Egress windows. Is this basement dry? By that I mean no musty smell either? Most older homes tend to be a little damp even if you can't see water. See any evidence of a water line on the walls? If so, you may need to cut out around the perimeter and put in drain tile. Is the floor level? If not you may need to pour some leveling compound. Otherwise you'll have problems with the floor unless you lay carpet. Cost depends on what you want to do. Are you adding a kitchen for the tenant or will they share the kitchen upstairs? Make sure to use the new drywall that is made for basements. Use pressure treated lumber for the bottom plate, but not the studs. Better yet, find the "blue" lumber made for basements. Make sure drywall is at least a 1/2" off the floor so it doesn't suck up moisture.

 

[NorthDakota]

So we had a local, independent plumber that was supposed to come to the house today to take care of a deep pipe clog that I just couldn't get to. The guy cancels same-day because his wife is sick or whatever, so we start calling around to find someone else. Eventually the only place that even answers the phone is Roto-Rooter. My wife was explicit with them that this was NOT an emergency but they had someone available same-day and sent someone over. A little while later (and with a very flustered wife), I find out they charged us $500 to clear a damn drain. I'm absolutely furious. Do I have any recourse?

I typed in roto-rooter exhorbirant fees and like the top three stories were all very similar stories to yours. Including a $200 fee for a three minute visit.

 

[Irish#1]

So we had a local, independent plumber that was supposed to come to the house today to take care of a deep pipe clog that I just couldn't get to. The guy cancels same-day because his wife is sick or whatever, so we start calling around to find someone else. Eventually the only place that even answers the phone is Roto-Rooter. My wife was explicit with them that this was NOT an emergency but they had someone available same-day and sent someone over. A little while later (and with a very flustered wife), I find out they charged us $500 to clear a damn drain. I'm absolutely furious. Do I have any recourse?

Those are franchises. Did you call the owner/manager? Did you mention reporting this to the BBB? How long was he there? That gives you an idea of the hourly rate and how unreasonable the fee is when discussing with them.

 

[koonja]

To remodel my basement and add a bedroom and full bath down there, the estimated material cost is ~7K. I'm waiting on a bid from a licensed contracting company, and wondering what I should expect for markup, AKA, what will be tacked on for labor? If they come to me and say 'we'll bid total job at 12K, or we'll bid total job at 18K', I have no idea which is realistic and which is a rip off. Any advice on normal markup for a job that will take a solid 4 weeks?

 

[RDU Irish]

I would guess $15k-$20k. Any more than that is getting into "don't let the door hit you in the ass" territory. I would think of a coat of DryLock or something similar before they begin if it is cinder block. No expert by any means but anything to help keep moisture out.

More importantly - f-ing slugs are taking over my strawberry bed. Tried beer, slug killer and have a turtle locked in the back yard but those sweet berries all get eaten up as soon as they start getting red. Double pissed since I went to the farmers market yesterday to see a mountain of perfect strawberries to make me super jealous. Stupid nature is kicking my ass.

 

[koonja]

I would guess $15k-$20k. Any more than that is getting into "don't let the door hit you in the ass" territory. I would think of a coat of DryLock or something similar before they begin if it is cinder block. No expert by any means but anything to help keep moisture out.

More importantly - f-ing slugs are taking over my strawberry bed. Tried beer, slug killer and have a turtle locked in the back yard but those sweet berries all get eaten up as soon as they start getting red. Double pissed since I went to the farmers market yesterday to see a mountain of perfect strawberries to make me super jealous. Stupid nature is kicking my ass.

You think the total job could be 15K plus? I wasn't expecting a 100% markup, but perhaps my guesses weren't accurate. It's a long job, so I suppose the markup will be higher. But I was thinking (hoping, praying, wishing) like 75% markup tops (7,000 x 1.75 = $12,250 total)

 

[RDU Irish]

$5250 for a full month of work for a couple guys who with plumbing and electrical to consider is getting skinny, IMO. I would be wary if the quote is that low and get some good references.

Whatever the quote, I would put at least 20% to the side for contingencies.

 

[Irish#1]

To remodel my basement and add a bedroom and full bath down there, the estimated material cost is ~7K. I'm waiting on a bid from a licensed contracting company, and wondering what I should expect for markup, AKA, what will be tacked on for labor? If they come to me and say 'we'll bid total job at 12K, or we'll bid total job at 18K', I have no idea which is realistic and which is a rip off. Any advice on normal markup for a job that will take a solid 4 weeks?

Given what you have stated the $15-$20k range RD mentioned is probably accurate. Whatever you do, have them provide a detailed list of what they are going to do. Also ask them what is the allowance for the bathroom fixtures. That way you can pick them out and not get stuck with something cheap the guy picked up on the discount rack. Knowing the specifics will allow you to compare the bids.

I've mentioned this before, but I built a cape code style brick garage and breezeway about 20 years ago. I created job specs and got 5 bids. I knew each was bidding from the same specs yet my estimates ranged from $22K to $50K. I was able to go with the cheapest bid because I knew exactly how he was going to build it and what he was going to use. The variance between the bids was all labor.


Example, trim = are they are going to use pine, oak, plastic, vinyl wrapped, etc.

 

[calvegas04]

To add a room and bathroom and redo the basement? I would have guessed 20k or more

 

[koonja]

To add a room and bathroom and redo the basement? I would have guessed 20k or more

I bought the place with the basement as is and had no plans for it. It's 100 year old, cinderblock foundation and to me, is storage and place for laundry.

However, there's two unfinished rooms that are incredibly small and collecting dust. One is a storage room that's 8.5' by 10.5', and the other is the start of a bathroom, and it has the plumbing to the shower already running and a damn toilet that actually flushes.

That's why I'm looking to this - the plumbing and electrical is already ran, and that's probably the biggest expense so I feel like I need to capitalize on what the previous owner started.

If finished, the 8.5 x 10.5 would serve as a bedroom with a sliding door that goes into the full bath. The upstairs people would still have to come down to use laundry (which would have a separate door so privacy is still available), and the basement person would have to go upstairs to use kitchen, but I could get $600 a month for the new room I estimate.

 

[RDU Irish]

Agree with #1 - based on your materials estimate I assumed you had a plan pretty well laid out including egress, trim, flooring, fixtures (elec and plumbing) as well as some type of heating/cooling solution.

 

[Irish Insanity]

To remodel my basement and add a bedroom and full bath down there, the estimated material cost is ~7K. I'm waiting on a bid from a licensed contracting company, and wondering what I should expect for markup, AKA, what will be tacked on for labor? If they come to me and say 'we'll bid total job at 12K, or we'll bid total job at 18K', I have no idea which is realistic and which is a rip off. Any advice on normal markup for a job that will take a solid 4 weeks?

If your lazy ass does it there isn't any mark up.

 

[koonja]

If your lazy ass does it there isn't any mark up.

If I did it myself it'd probably decrease in value and I'd have a pipe shooting water out of the bedroom window.